Reimagining the Traditional Call Center

Nationwide Insurance Operations CenterSan Antonio, Texas, USA

HOK’s design reimagined the traditional call center model for Nationwide Insurance’s new operations center on San Antonio’s far west side.

The employee-focused operations center features amenities that help Nationwide attract, develop and retain talented people. Located on a picturesque site in the Texas Hill Country, the building supports 24/7 operations in a high-quality, comfortable work environment.

The building interior integrates open workspaces, common gathering areas and private meeting rooms. A fitness center, adjustable-height work surfaces and café break rooms contribute to health and morale. The 7,400-sq.-ft. common area offers several on-site dining options through local food vendors. The glass-enclosed central stairway offers an inviting and transparent connection between the three stories, encouraging staff to be active and take the stairs rather than using the less-convenient elevators.

Modular walls accommodate future changes and provide transparency between constructed spaces and open office areas. A glass-enclosed central staircase promotes this transparency and links the building’s three floors.

Full-height glass exterior walls moderate the Texas heat while offering clear views of the natural surroundings. The team was able to preserve 40 percent of the natural vegetation on Nationwide’s 32-acre campus. A comprehensive light management system with daylighting and smart shading controls saves energy while providing comfortable light levels.

The team designed the building to withstand natural disasters such as tornados and windstorms, making it the first commercial building to receive FORTIFIED for Safer Business designation from the Institute for Business and Home Safety.

LEED CERTIFICATION

LEED certified

SIZE

280,000 sq. ft. / 26,000 sq. m.

SERVICES

ArchitectureFacility ProgrammingInterior Design

AWARDS

IIDA Mid-America Chapter -MADA Gold Award Winner - Corporate Large

75%

Amount of construction waste that was recycled or salvaged

40%

Amount of existing natural vegetation preserved across the 32-acre campus